What's on in Switzerland: October 2026

In the Netherlands, October often feels like rain, wind and dark evenings. In Switzerland it's one of the best months to get outside: quieter trails, good hiking weather and autumn colours everywhere.

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You do need to plan a bit more and check the weather more often. Here are three ways to make the most of Switzerland this month.

Autumn hiking in October

For me, October is the month when you notice that Switzerland doesn't stop when summer ends. In the Netherlands you slowly move indoors in autumn. In Switzerland a new outdoor season starts. The heat is gone, popular trails are quieter and the autumn colours make many hikes extra beautiful. Forests, lower mountain areas and viewpoints with lots of trees are especially worth it now. Want to know where the colours are brightest? The larch forests of the Engadin and the Lauterbrunnen valley are in our guide to October in the mountains.

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Plan a little more carefully than in summer. The days get shorter, some mountain huts and cable cars close for the season, and higher up the weather can turn quickly. Check the route, the forecast and whether your train and cable car are still running before you go; with the right apps on your phone that takes a few minutes. And don't let autumn weather put you off too quickly. Fresh air, fewer people and often beautiful light: October can be perfect hiking weather.

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Events in October

There's still plenty to do in October. Fewer festivals than in summer, more autumn, culture, wine, markets and local celebrations.

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A few events that stand out:

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The Lozärner Määs (3 to 18 October) is Lucerne's traditional autumn fair, with rides around the Inseli and market stalls along the lake. Worth a visit if you live in Central Switzerland or just want to experience something local.

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During the Zurich Wine Festival (12 to 18 October) the whole week revolves around wine, food, cocktails and music, with the Papiersaal in Sihlcity as the main venue. For anyone who'd rather hold a wine glass than lace up their hiking boots.

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If you like reading, have a look at Zürich liest (20 to 25 October). It's the biggest book festival in Switzerland, with readings and events at more than a hundred venues in and around Zurich.

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And from 29 October the Expovina Wine Ships are back at Bürkliplatz in Zurich (until 12 November). A wine fair on ships, held at the same spot since the 1950s. A good option if you fancy something other than hiking at the end of October.

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My tip: also keep an eye out for smaller autumn markets, chestnut festivals and local events in your own region. That's often where you get to know Switzerland best.

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Nebelmeer: climbing above the fog

October is also the start of the season when the valley can be grey and foggy, while a bit higher up you're suddenly standing in the sun. The Swiss call it a Nebelmeer, a sea of fog. It's typically Swiss and takes some getting used to.

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In the Netherlands, grey weather is simply bad luck. In Switzerland, Lucerne, Zurich or an entire valley can be covered in fog while a few hundred metres higher you're above the clouds under a clear blue sky.

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My biggest tip: check the live webcams before you decide to stay at home. The forecast alone isn't enough. The Rigi webcams, for example, show clearly whether it's sunny up top and roughly where the fog line is. You don't have to go to that exact mountain: if a webcam at a similar altitude shows sunshine, that often tells you enough.

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That way a grey Sunday in the valley can still turn into one of the best autumn days of the year, above the clouds.

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Another side of the outdoor season

The outdoor season simply carries on in October, just cooler and quieter, with the occasional day above the fog. Pick an autumn hike or an event in your own region and take a quick look at the webcams first. You'll soon see how beautiful Switzerland is outside summer and winter too.

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Still exploring the idea of working in Switzerland? Take a look at our current vacancies for physiotherapists.

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